According to Sunday's publication of the Cliffview Pilot, officials rescued dozens of German shepherds from the basement of an animal hospital in Bergen County, N.J.

Acting on a tip, investigators with the Bergen County SPCA raided the Ridgefield Park Animal Hospital, where 40 German shepherds, ranging in age from 5 weeks to seven years old, were discovered; some were crammed into crates and others were roaming in a gated backyard.

Investigator Evan Kutzin described the conditions to the Cliffview Pilot:
"Some of the crates were so small, the dogs were unable to stand up. One crate big enough for only one had three full-sized dogs inside."

The authorities were able to reach the hospital veterinarian, who informed them that the dogs belonged to a long-time employee who was boarding them at the facility. That person eventually arrived to the hospital and signed ownership of over half of the dogs to the SPCA. The man was allowed to retain ownership of five dogs and he secured homes for several others. The situation remains under investigation.

This disturbing find follows hot on the heels of the Fort Worth, Texas, veterinarian who admitted last week that he had kept dogs alive at his facility after their owners had requested that they be humanely euthanized. Several dogs at that animal clinic were found to be suffering and the veterinarian is facing charges of animal cruelty.